Jodi L. Walter, age 70, of Huron, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. A memorial service to celebrate Jodi's life will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00 AM at American Lutheran Church in Huron. Memorial visitation with her family present will be on Friday, February 27th from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Welter Funeral Home with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM.

The memorial service will be live-streamed at Facebook American Lutheran Church

Jodi was born on July 29, 1955, in Huron, S.D., to Donald and Doris (Horine) Johnson. Jodi was the second of three children born to Don and Doris.

Jodi married Stephen Walter on Aug. 29, 1975; they recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. Together, they raised two sons, Shane and Brandon. The couple lived in Huron for several years before moving out to the country, just east of Huron.

Jodi worked as a speech-language pathology assistant for the Huron School District for 35 years, retiring in 2021. Jodi made an impact on many students in the Huron School District and was honored by the school, when she was chosen as Employee of the Year in 2006-07 and 2018-19.

She loved to spend time fishing with her husband. The two went on many fishing trips together. Jodi also helped when she could on the farm, taking care of the bookwork. She would be Stephen's traveling partner, when attending cattle shows and sales; the two were inseparable.

4-H held a special place in Jodi's heart. Brandon and Shane were active members of the Broadland Buddies 4-H Club. Even after her boys aged out of 4-H, she stayed actively involved. She judged 4-H record books yearly and helped with judging various static exhibits. She loved spending hours helping her grandchildren make 4-H projects and listening to speeches; one of her greatest loves was taking them shopping for 4-H selected outfits.

Jodi loved to camp at the South Dakota State Fair and many other cattle shows. Her greatest joy of camping was gathering in the evenings at their campsite with her family and a special group of friends, sharing great food and many laughs. She loved to watch her grandchildren show livestock and would beam with pride when they would walk into the show ring. She could also be found supporting them in their many activities, cheering on her grandchildren. Jodi loved being a mother and grandmother more than anything.

"She was a grandma to everyone,” said her granddaughter Kaycee.

Her husband Stephen would tell you that Jodi was a sweetheart who touched so many lives. She was a friend to all and had a passion for helping others. She loved to craft. Her friends and family will treasure the many crafts that she made. They were a labor of love, and she was so excited to share her talents with others.

Jodi is survived by her husband, Stephen; sons, Shane (Amanda) and Brandon (Corrie); grandchildren: Kaycee, Stockten (Callie), Rose, Sawyer, Noah, Ash, Hadlee, Bentlee and Cambree; sister, Barb (Darrell); brothers-in-law, Keith and Gregory (Dianne); sisters-in-law, Darial (Todd), Laura (Greg) and Paula (Rick); many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

Jodi was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Doris Johnson; parents-in-law, Arland and Lavonne Walter and sister, Gay Lynn; and brother-in-law Ivan Loof.